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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has advocated a stronger global investment in education, insisting that domestic efforts by governments must be matched with effective international support to transform education systems and expand opportunities for children and young people.
Alausa made the call while delivering Nigeria’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which Nigeria was co-hosting with Italy.
He described GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and development partners together around nationally determined priorities, while helping countries translate their commitments into stronger education systems and improved outcomes for children.
The Minister said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its conviction that education and skills development remained among the most important investments countries could make, particularly in harnessing the potential of young populations and building resilient economies.
He said Nigeria’s advocacy for increased global investment in education was being matched by concrete measures at home, including efforts to expand access, reduce cost barriers, strengthen skills development and deploy digital technology to improve the education system.
The Minister said the initiatives are part of the broader efforts to achieve macro-fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alausa thus highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, incorporating updated Federal Government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.
He explained that the approach reflected the scale of Nigeria’s federal system and the determination of the various levels of government to mobilise resources for education.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s commitment formed part of a wider movement among GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively committing more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
He, however, stressed that domestic financing and country leadership must be complemented by effective international partnerships if education systems were to achieve lasting transformation.
He therefore urged governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to sustain the momentum generated by the Multiply Possibility campaign and support the forthcoming High-Level Financing Event.
The Minister said the ultimate focus should be on translating political commitments and financial resources into measurable improvements in classrooms and meaningful opportunities for children and young people.
Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining reforms and partnerships aimed at strengthening the country’s education system and widening opportunities for every child and young person.
He maintained that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, education would remain a central priority, with the Federal Government continuing to expand access, strengthen learning and skills development, harness digital opportunities and equip learners to contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
